\(\mathbb{Z}R\) and rings of Witt vectors \(W_S(R)\) (Q2177980)

Summary: Using \(\lambda\) operations, we give some results on the kernel of the natural map from the monoid algebra \(\mathbb{Z}R\) of a commutative ring \(R\) to the ring of \(S\)-Witt vectors of \(R\). As a byproduct we obtain a very natural interpretation of a power series used by \textit{B. Dwork} [in: Proceedings of a conference on local fields, NUFFIC Summer School Driebergen, 1966. Berlin: Springer. 40--55 (1967; Zbl 0205.50901)] in his proof of the rationality of zeta functions for varieties over finite fields.